Everything about the second Test between South Africa and Pakistan
South Africa will be eager to show their authority and gain significant advantage against Pakistan in the second Test of the three-match series starting Thursday. The Proteas lead the series 1-0 at the moment. The hosts had accounted for a hard-fought six-wicket win in the Boxing Day Test. Here is everything about the second Test.
South Africa to bank on success at Newlands
South Africa thrived in the first Test after their bowlers put in a strong show. One would expect Faf du Plessis and Co. to bank on the pacers and come out with the same intensity. The hosts enjoy a terrific record at the Newlands in Cape Town and that spells trouble for Pakistan. SA will be hoping to show their strengths from the beginning.
Pakistan's batting needs to stand strong
Pakistan have played three Test matches in Cape Town and they have lost all three so far. Therefore, the writing is on the wall for the visitors. Pakistan's batting needs to stand strong and support the bowlers. They were outplayed with the bat in Centurion. Sarfraz Ahmed's side will be hoping to get a strong start and take on the challenge.
Stat attack: South Africa vs Pakistan, second Test
South Africa's wicket-keeper batsman Quinton de Kock needs 30 more to reach the milestone of 2,000 Test runs in his career. Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj is just 10 wickets away from 100 Test career scalps. Pakistan's Asad Shafiq needs 33 more runs to reach 500-run mark against South Africa in Tests. SA pacer Vernon Philander needs one wicket to reach his 50th at Newlands.
Key players to watch out for
For South Africa, one would be hoping that Hashim Amla starts from where he left off in the previous Test. Bowlers Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada could have some serious impact as well. The Pakistani team will be banking upon the likes of Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq to provide the substance in batting. Young Shaheen Afridi's presence is a positive sign for the visitors.
When and where to watch the match?
The match is scheduled for a 2:00 PM start (IST). It will be telecast live on the Sony Ten network. One can also stream the match live on the Sony Liv app as well.
